Message from the CEO...

Dear Friend of LMC,

We are excited to announce an addition to the A.R. Sanchez Cancer Center—the LMC Infusion Center! The Infusion Center offers excellent infusion treatment in a

setting that is comfortable and warm for our patients. It is our goal to keep patients in town for their treatments where they can receive the support and comfort from family members. Read more about our new Infusion Center on page 1 and 2.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Ms. Marichu Carampatan, R.N. for winning the 2015 Patient Choice Award. We received many nominations, but only one can be chosen. We congratulate and thank Ms. Carampatan for the exceptional care she gives our patients in the ICU each and every day. Read more about her on page 3.

The month of May certainly proved to be a busy one for us. On page 4, we highlight just a few of the events and community outreach announcements we supported and actively participated in. From Hospital Week, to announcements in conjunction with the Laredo Fire Department and the Laredo of Tomorrow Coalition, we are proud of the partnerships we have built in our community as we continue our focus to make Laredo a healthy place to live.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns that need addressing, feel free to contact me at 796-3159.

Enrique Gallegos, FACHE

JJJUNEUNEUNE 201520152015 “Always Committed to Excellence”“Always Committed to Excellence”“Always Committed to Excellence”

Laredo Medical Center’s new outpatient Infusion Center provides comfort and convenience close to home

L aredo Medical Center (LMC) proudly announces the opening of its new Infusion

Center. The LMC Infusion Center is dedicated to providing patient care excellence, offering a comfortable and convenient outpatient setting for those who require chemotherapy and hydration therapy. Infusion services are provided by registered nurses who specialize in intravenous therapy. In the near future, the Infusion Center will add other infusion services.

“The Infusion Center is the latest addition to the LMC A.R. Sanchez Cancer Center providing comprehensive cancer services close to home,” said Enrique Gallegos, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, LMC. "Our vision for the Infusion Center is to provide our patients and this community with chemotherapy and infusion services that was second to none in our region. We can now treat patients in a comfortable and private atmosphere, and do it in a way that promotes healing, recovery, privacy and an overall improved patient experience.”

When patients arrive at the LMC Infusion Center, they’ll notice it has been designed with many amenities. Patients will receive their infusion in one of eight comfortable recliner chairs available. They can choose to enjoy television by watching any of the flat screen TVs, which are

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New LMC Infusion Center providing patients with safe and comfortable surroundings Continued page 1

Community Connections “Always Committed to Excellence” Page 2 Laredo Medical Center

accompanied by private headphones, or enjoy their own personal electronic device by using LMC’s free Wi-Fi access. The warm and comfortable environment, which has been tastefully decorated with a collection of paintings donated by the Fernando Salinas Trust in partnership with the Women’s City Club, also lends itself for reading, or simply leaning back to relax. Four (4) private patient rooms are also available for those needing extra privacy and added comfort, with the goal of each nurse to make sure each patient feels as comfortable as possible. Nurses will be there to tend to all patients’ needs during each visit.

"The entire oncology staff is so proud of our beautiful new Infusion Center and what it means for our patients," says Mohsen G. Mahani, M.D., Medical Oncologist and Medical Director of the LMC Infusion Center. “Providing this new service is exactly what the cancer program at LMC needed in order to provide more comprehensive, compassionate and quality cancer services in Laredo, sparing anyone the added expense and inconvenience of traveling out of town.”

Supplemental services to support clinical care to create an optimal care experience include:

• Assessing and evaluating patients’ progress

• Providing educational and instructional materials

• Coordinating care with patients’ primary physician to promote the best treatment outcomes

• Medical Director on site during business hours

The LMC Infusion Center is located at Laredo Medical Center’s main campus at 1700 E. Saunders St., Tower A, Ste. A100 (1st floor). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8am—5pm. For more information, call (956) 796-3223.

1. Upon entering the LMC Infusion Center, patients will notice the warm and inviting setting that has been tastefully decorated with a collection of paintings from the Fernando Salinas Trust; 2. Patients

will receive infusion treatment in one of eight comfortable recliner chairs; 3. Patients can choose to

enjoy television by watching any of the flat screen TVs, which are accompanied by private headphones, or enjoy their own personal electronic device by using LMC’s free Wi-Fi; 4. Four private

patient rooms are available for patients requesting extra privacy.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Community Connections “Always Committed to Excellence” Page 3 Laredo Medical Center

Marichu Carampatan, RN, Recipient of 2015 Patient Choice Award

M arichu Carampatan, RN has been selected as Laredo Medical Center’s 2015 Patient Choice Award winner. The award honors one nurse who is recognized as ‘best of the best’ from the

incredible team of nurses at Laredo Medical Center (LMC). Nominations for the Patient Choice Award are submitted by patients or family members of patients who are treated at the hospital the prior year.

Marichu received several nominations from patients and/or family members. Each nomination described her as someone whose attitude remains compassionate and caring even under difficult situations. She possesses excellent communications skills and is very attentive. Her colleagues and supervisors call her the ‘perfect’ nurse!

Carampatan was first hired at LMC in 2008 as a critical care nurse assigned in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

“I am honored to have been given this award,” commented Carampatan. “I come to work everyday not expecting to get an award, but to save a life. In accepting this award, I must give credit to my colleagues in the ICU. I am surrounded by great nurses who each deserve this award.”

Carampatan was presented with the Patient’s Choice Award at a special luncheon recognizing all the nominees. As the winner, she received $500, a plaque, and recognition in several company-wide publications.

Other LMC nurses nominated for the Patient Choice Award include: Sabino Mena, RN, ICU, Vivian Emeremnu, RN, 3C, Felipe Suarez, RN, SNU, Roxanne Buentello, RN, Mother/Baby, Juanita Castro, RN, Mother/Baby, Katherine Cardenas,

RN, 5C, Nelly Castillo, RN, 5C, Christie Gutierrez, RN, 5C, Adriana Leal, RN, 5C, Isaac Martinez, RN, 5C, Erica Sarmiento, RN, 5C, Frances Uresti, RN, 5C Nurse Director and Gabriel Molina, RN, 5C.

The Patient’s Choice Award is part of National Nurses’ Week celebrated during the month of May.

Pictured are nominees from ICU: Sabino Mena III, RN, Marichu Caramptan, RN and Hilda Enriquez-Escalante, RN.

Pictured are nominees from 5C: (front, l-r): Nelly Castillo, RN, Frances Uresti, RN, Kathy Cardenas, RN; (back, l-r): Adriana Leal, RN, Erika Sarmiento, RN, Christy Gutierrez, RN and Isaac Martinez, RN. Not pictured is Gabriel Molina.

Pictured is nominee from Mother/Baby: Juanita Castro, RN, together with Christine Martinez, CNO (left) and Carolina Saavedra, Mother/Baby Director (right). Not pictured is Roxanne Buentello, RN.

Pictured is Enrique Gallegos, FACHE, CEO, Marichu Carampatan, RN, and Christine Martinez, CNO.

Community Connections “Always Committed to Excellence” Page 4 Laredo Medical Center

Hospital Week Proclamation with

Mayor Pro Tempore Juan Narvaez!

Happy 92nd Birthday

Dr. Joaquin G. Cigarroa!

Recognizing hard-working EMTs during

EMS Week with Dr. Arturo Garza-

Gongora!

Partnership with Laredo Fire Dept. on 12-Lead exam to help diagnose heart attack patients faster out in the field.

Laredo of Tomorrow press conference with

Sister Rosemary on the importance

of a Medical Home.

Laredo Lemurs players, Denis Phipps, Mascot

Pancho, Abel Nieves and Luis Pollorena, visit pediatric

patients at LMC.

Community Connections “Always Committed to Excellence” Page 5 Laredo Medical Center

Take care of Dad during his special month! Attend any of these events in June!

June 2015June 2015June 2015 Calendar of Events!Calendar of Events!Calendar of Events!

• Sunday, June 21—Happy Father’s Day!

• Wednesday, June 24—Surgical Weight Loss Seminar, LMC Tower B, Community Center, 6:30pm. Learn more about bariatric surgery

at this free seminar, hosted by Board Cer!fied Surgeon Dr. Michael Morris. For more informa!on, call 796-3223. (FREE TO PUBLIC)

• Monday, June 29—Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, LMC Tower B, Community Room, 6:30pm. Those taking care of a loved one

with Parkinson’s Disease or those who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease are invited to a0end this free support group. For

more informa!on, call 645-8649 or 237-0666. (FREE TO PUBLIC)

• Saturday, July 4—Happy Independence Day!

• Tuesday, July 7—Alzheimer’s Support Group, LMC Tower B,

Community Center, 7:00pm. Those taking care of a loved one with

Alzheimer’s Disease are invited to attend this free support group. For

more information, call 796-3223. (FREE TO PUBLIC)

• Wednesday, July 8—Surgical Weight Loss Seminar, LMC Tower B, Community Center, 6:30pm. Learn more about bariatric surgery at

this free seminar, hosted by Board Certified Surgeon Dr. Michael Morris. For more information, call 796-3223. (FREE TO PUBLIC)

• Monday, July 13—Laredo Stroke Support Group, San Martin de Porres Church, Family Life Center, 7:00pm. All stroke survivors, family

and caregivers are welcome to attend. Share your story, encourage others and hear informative speakers. For more information, call

286-0641, 763-6132 or email: knowstroke956@gmail.com. (FREE TO PUBLIC)

• Tuesday, July 14—Healthy Woman Luncheon, LMC Tower B, Community Center, 12:00pm. Members of Healthy Woman will meet for

their monthly, healthy gathering with featured speaker to be announced. For more informa!on on this free program, call 796-2222 or

log on to www.healthywomanonline.com. (FREE TO MEMBERS)

• Wednesday, July 15—Webb County Domes7c Violence Coali7on, LMC Tower B, Community Center, 12noon. Members of the

community will meet for their monthly luncheon at LMC Tower B, Community Center, 12noon. Those individuals wan!ng more

informa!on on resources available may a0end. For more informa!on, call Sister Rosemary Welsh at 718-6810.

• Tuesday, July 21—Blood Drive, LMC Tower B, Community Center, 1:00 to 6:00pm. LMC and South Texas Blood & Tissue Center have

partnered in coordina!ng this summer drive. All presen!ng donors will receive a T-shirt. For more informa!on, call (956) 236-8662.

• Tuesday, July 21—Tiny Toes Prenatal Class, LMC Tower B, Community Center, 6:00pm. The Tiny Toes Program is a free service and

includes a variety of exclusive ameni!es and special access to baby experts. For more informa!on, call 796-3223. (FREE TO PUBLIC)

• Wednesday, July 22—Blood Drive, LMC Tower B, Community Center, 9:00am to 2:00pm. LMC and South Texas Blood & Tissue Center

have partnered in coordina!ng this summer drive. All presen!ng donors will receive a T-shirt. For more informa!on, call (956) 236-

8662.

• Wednesday, July 22—Surgical Weight Loss Seminar, LMC Tower B, Community Center, 6:30pm. Learn more about bariatric surgery at

this free seminar, hosted by Board Cer!fied Surgeon Dr. Michael Morris. For more informa!on, call 796-3223. (FREE TO PUBLIC)

• Thursday, July 23—Healthy Lifestyle Luncheon for Senior Circle members, LMC Tower B, Community Center, 12:00noon. Members of

LMC’s Senior Circle Program will meet for their monthly, healthy gathering with featured speaker to be announced. For membership

informa!on, call 796-2222. (FREE WITH $15 PER YEAR MEMBERSHIP)

• Thursday, July 23—Tiny Toes Prenatal Class, LMC Tower B, Community Center, 6:00pm. The Tiny Toes Program is a free service and

includes a variety of exclusive ameni!es and special access to baby experts. For more informa!on, call 796-3223. (FREE TO PUBLIC)

• Monday, July 27—Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, LMC Tower B, Community Room, 6:30pm. Those taking care of a loved one with

Parkinson’s Disease are invited to a0end this free support

group. For more informa!on, call 796-3223, 724-5610 or 645-

8649. (FREE TO PUBLIC)

LMC Medical Update

KGNS Pro8 News: Thursdays at 6pm & 10pm

and Mondays at 6am & 12noon

LMC Minuto de Salud

Univision: Wednesdays at 5:00pm

July 2015July 2015July 2015 Calendar of Events!Calendar of Events!Calendar of Events!

Community Connections is a publication of the Laredo Medical Center Marketing Department. Questions or comments may be directed to Priscilla Salinas, Marketing Director at (956) 796-3223. www.laredomedical.com

Laredo Medical Center is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.